Chapter 48 Breakfast wars
The morning breeze fanned against her burning cheeks, cool and crisp against Jasmine’s overheated skin. It carried the scent of damp earth and fresh leaves, a reminder that the world outside still existed—unchanged, untouched by fear or contracts or secrets.
Her Converse slapped softly against the pavement as she ran, her ponytail swinging high with every stride. The headphones around her neck bounced against her collarbone, music forgotten as laughter bubbled from her lips.
For the first time in weeks, her chest didn’t feel tight.
She felt light.
Free.
Perspiration clung to the nape of her neck and dotted her forehead, but she didn’t slow down. The ache in her legs was grounding, the burn in her lungs proof that she was still alive.
“Slow down, Jasmine,” Ray called out behind her. “You’re going to collapse before we even make it halfway.”
She glanced over her shoulder and grinned. “Says the man who dragged me out of bed at six in the morning.”
Ray caught up to her easily, his longer strides matching her pace with little effort. “You said you wanted to jog.”
“I didn’t say I wanted to race.”
He smirked. “Coward.”
She shoved him lightly with her shoulder. “Giraffe.”
Ray laughed, a deep sound that echoed down the quiet street. “You’re enjoying this.”
“I am,” she admitted breathlessly. “I was going to lose my mind staying inside all day.”
Ray studied her for a second. “You’ve been restless.”
She didn’t answer.
Instead, she pointed ahead. “See the house?”
He followed her gaze.
“First one there doesn’t make breakfast.”
Ray’s grin widened. “You’re on.”
They counted down, and before she could say three, Ray sprinted forward.
“Hey!” she shouted, laughing as she chased after him. “That’s cheating!”
“All is fair in breakfast wars!”
She pushed herself harder, legs burning, lungs screaming. When she drew close, she reached out and grabbed his arm.
Ray gasped dramatically. “Unhand me, woman!”
“You’re a menace!”
They reached the gate almost at the same time. Ray stopped suddenly and turned, catching Jasmine by the wrist and pulling her forward.
She stumbled straight into his chest.
Her laughter burst free as she tried to steady herself. “That was not fair.”
Ray’s arms instinctively came around her to keep her from falling. “You agreed to the rules.”
“I didn’t agree to you cheating.”
He hummed thoughtfully. “Sounds like denial.”
Jasmine wiped sweat from her brow, puffing out air from her cheeks. “Next time I’m wearing roller skates.”
Ray’s gaze lingered on her face longer than it should have.
Her cheeks were flushed, lips parted as she caught her breath. The morning sun caught in her dark eyes, making them shimmer.
He realized he was still holding her wrist.
Too close.
Too aware.
“Ray?” she called softly.
He blinked. “Yeah?”
“You won.”
Reluctantly, he let go of her. “Breakfast is yours.”
They went inside together.
Earlier that morning…
Jasmine sat on the edge of her bed, tying her sneakers when her phone rang.
Ray’s name flashed across the screen.
“Hello?”
“You’re awake already?” he asked.
“Barely. I was about to go for a jog.”
There was a pause. “A jog? Outside?”
“Yes. I need air. Do you think Damien would mind?”
Another pause.
“You haven’t seen him since he left for that trip, right?”
“No.”
“I’ll come with you,” Ray said quickly. “You shouldn’t be alone.”
She hesitated. “Ray, I don’t want to bother you—”
“You’re not bothering me.” his voice was calm, certain
She smiled softly. “Okay.”
IN THE KITCHEN
Ray washed up in the guest room while Jasmine showered. When he came downstairs, the scent hit him immediately.
Coconut.
Vanilla.
Warm and sweet.
He followed it into the kitchen and stopped.
Jasmine stood at the counter, a towel wrapped around her hair, dressed in a tank top and sweatpants. She whisked eggs in a bowl while music played softly.
Her hips swayed to the beat unconsciously.
Ray leaned against the doorway, watching her.
This version of Jasmine felt intimate.
Domestic.
Real.
“So,” he said finally, “there was a dance party and I wasn’t invited?”
She turned, smiling. “Bring the frying pan if you want to join.”
They worked side by side for a while. Jasmine chopped fruit. Ray watched.
Too intently.
She noticed. “What's on your mind?”
He hesitated. “What’s it like… living here?”
She paused. “Safe.”
“Are you happy?”
She thought for a moment. “I think so.”
Ray stood and moved closer, standing behind her, her back grazing his front. Jasmine froze, but she didn't move, she just turned her head to look up at him.
“Jasmine… you don’t have to feel obligated to him.”
She frowned. “What are you saying?”
Ray reached for her hand, stopping the knife mid-motion. She turns fully, back against the marble's edge.
“Ray—”
He gently took the knife from her fingers and set it aside.
“You don’t belong to Damien.”
She swallowed.
Ray stepped closer, until her back was pressed against the counter.
She felt trapped.
Not in fear—but in awareness.
“Is there something between you and him?” Ray asked quietly.
“I don’t know,” she whispered, truthfully she didn't know what was happening between them, maybe a false sense of emotion that kept drawing her to him
Ray lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.
“You should know I’m here.”
Her breath hitched. “Ray…”
“I want to take you out. On a real date.”
Her eyes widened. “What?”
He nodded. “I’ve wanted you since the first day you served me at that restaurant.”
She placed her hand against his chest and pushed gently. “We’re friends.”
“Not to me.”
He cupped her jaw and leaned down— and claimed her lips.
He kissed her.
Jasmine inhaled sharply.
For a moment, Jasmine forgot how to breathe.
Ray’s lips were warm—soft at first, hesitant, as if he were giving her time to pull away. His hand remained at her jaw, thumb brushing lightly against her cheekbone, not demanding, not rushing.
She froze.
Her heart slammed violently against her ribs.
This wasn’t supposed to be happening.
Ray.
Her friend.